Winter Storm Elliott Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Updated Jan. 13, 2023
Winter Storm Elliott was a cross-country bomb cyclone weather event that brought extremely strong and damaging winds and brutal sub-zero temperatures to the Pittsburgh region during the winter holiday. Impacts from the storm have been felt across campus, and crews have been responding around the clock to address frozen pipes, broken water lines, failed sprinkler systems and heating issues.
Information about winter storm damage on CMU's Pittsburgh campus is listed below. If you have additional questions that are not covered here, please call 412-268-2910 or email fixit@cmu.edu.
What CMU buildings were affected, and when will those spaces be ready to be occupied again?
This Pittsburgh campus map below shows the areas across campus that were impacted. Most areas have already been repaired and restored. All areas, including Roberts Hall and Posner Hall, will be usable by Tuesday, Jan. 17. The Posner Hall building is closed until Jan. 16 in order to expedite repair and restoration within the facility. All other buildings remain open.
Facility Management Services will work with your department or housing facility coordinator regarding specific details for each space. As the affected spaces come back online for occupancy, it should be noted that long lead times for items such as carpeting, lighting fixtures and blinds will lengthen the time to completely restore an area. These items will be thoroughly cleaned prior to occupancy and then re-assessed for replacement.
If my workspace or residential area is highlighted on the impact map as an affected area, what should I do?
If your area is noted on the map, your department or housing facility coordinator has already been contacted by Facilities Management Services with further details. Please work directly with your coordinator to determine your next steps.
What should I do if my workspace or residential area was impacted but it is not highlighted on the map?
If your area was impacted and it is not noted on the map, please call the Service Response Center at 412-268-2910 or email fixit@cmu.edu to receive guidance and remediation/restoration services.
Will insurance cover the repairs to our facilities?
Yes, the entirety of the winter storm is considered a single event for insurance purposes. CMU is working with its insurance team to assess and document the loss. If your department has contents that have been or may be impacted, please reach out to Diane Patterson, manager of insurance, at dianep@andrew.cmu.edu to be added to the property insurance claim and to get additional guidance related to documenting the damage and assessing your items.
Our department has a lab that was affected, and the lab generates income and/or is involved in sponsored research. Because of the damage, we may miss a deadline or lose research. What should I do?
There may be insurance coverage for this, and a forensic accountant may need to be engaged. Please reach out to Diane Patterson, manager of insurance, at dianep@andrew.cmu.edu as soon as possible and let others who are involved in the finances of your work know.
Our department had fine art, rare books and/or historical objects that were affected. What should I do?
There is insurance coverage for this, and special guidance can be provided by our fine arts insurance carrier. Please reach out to Diane Patterson, manager of insurance, at dianep@andrew.cmu.edu as soon as possible.
Is personal property that was damaged by the storm covered by the university’s insurance?
No, personal property is not covered by CMU’s insurance plan.